Gerald Bepko
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Chancellor Emeritus
IU Trustee Professor and Professor of Law, IU School of Law-Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Indiana
"Good health is our greatest blessing." Gerald Bepko's words illustrate his awareness of the impact of healthy living. He has been a participant in the Indiana University Executive Health Program since its inception and is an advocate of wellness and exercise. It is evident that he practices what he preaches. Bepko, 67, is a former chancellor at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and says, "Prior to joining the program I had physical exams every year but they were done in disconnected pieces." Once he became involved in the program, all of that changed.
Bepko works with Dr. Michael Busk, director of the Executive Health Program, and undergoes an annual, comprehensive physical, which puts him more in tune with his daily exercise and wellness needs. "The Executive Health Program ensures that you're a participant on an ongoing basis in your own health," Bepko explains. He appreciates the open, one-on-one communication he has with Dr. Busk and the ability to help guide his own program." Mike Busk is generous with his time both in office visits and by e-mail and gives each patient a thorough explanation of all tests. If you need to see a specialist, he provides the best referral system anyone could hope for." Necessary referrals are made to nearby physicians at the Indiana University School of Medicine and Clarian Health.
"I was at an advantage when I got involved in Executive Health because my job within the university at that time required me to participate," Bepko explains. He has continued his involvement of his own accord because he sees the value in being proactive when it comes to his health. "The younger you are when you get involved in a program like this - when you take part in your own health - the better," he says. "Some people wait too long, until they have problems. This program is one of the finest and it's especially important that Dr. Busk can show people the path to a higher quality of life through tests and related lifestyle changes, which address or prevent the onset of illness. In matters of health, it is clear that an ounce of prevention can be the equivalent of a pound of cure."
